Chloe Zhang
Zippers can get stuck over time, but using force to open them may damage the teeth. A better solution is to use a lubricant. While there are dedicated zipper lubricants available, such as Zipper Ease, there are also several household items that can be used to lubricate a zipper, including soap, wax, and oil.
Characteristics and Values Table for Plastic Zipper Lubricants
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Unstick a zipper |
| Product | Zipper lubricant, Zipper Ease, WD-40, silicone lubricant, Q-tip dipped in oil, soap, graphite pencil, Teflon Dry Lube, beeswax, Zippy Cool, Starbrite Snap |
| Application | Rub along zipper teeth, spray, dip, wipe |
| Use case | Preventative maintenance for young zippers, restoring old zippers |
| Pros | Easy to apply, inexpensive, compact, universal compatibility, non-messy, restores zippers, precise application, cleans zipper |
| Cons | May stain or damage fabric, may attract dirt, may leave residue, may create more problems for old zippers with gel-type lubricants |
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What You'll Learn
Specialist zipper lubricants
If you're looking for a specialist zipper lubricant, there are a few products on the market that can help keep your zippers in top shape. Here are some options for specialist zipper lubricants:
AGS Automotive Solutions Zipper Lubricant Stick
This universal zipper lubricant is designed to work on all zipper types, including plastic, nylon, and metal. It comes in a compact, easy-to-carry stick applicator that allows for precise application directly where you need it. It helps prevent damage to your bags, clothing, and other zippered items by ensuring smooth and effortless zipper operation.
GEAR AID Zipper Lubricant
GEAR AID's Zipper Lubricant is a wax-based lubricant that is designed to unstick zippers quickly. It protects nylon, plastic, and metal zippers against salt, chlorine, rust, and corrosion. It is perfect for use on outdoor gear such as tents, wetsuits, luggage, and watersports equipment. This non-toxic, multipurpose lubricant was previously known as Zip Tech and can also be used on watertight zippers for wetsuits, drysuits, and dive gear.
PB Blaster Advanced Dry Lube with Teflon
While not specifically marketed as a zipper lubricant, PB Blaster's Advanced Dry Lube with Teflon has been recommended by some users specifically for lubricating zippers. It is said to work well on heavy-duty zippers on items like bike frame bags that have stiffened up due to dirt and helps prevent damage to the zipper by making it easier to close.
WD-40 Specialist Water Resistant Silicone Lubricant
This water-resistant silicone lubricant by WD-40 is a popular option for lubricating zippers. While it may not be a dedicated zipper lubricant, its water-resistant properties make it a good choice for outdoor gear or items that may be exposed to moisture.
These specialist zipper lubricants can help keep your zippers functioning smoothly and prevent them from becoming stuck or damaged.
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Household items like soap
If you have a stuck plastic zipper, it is best to use a lubricant to loosen it up. While there are dedicated zipper lubricants available, household items like soap can also do the trick.
Using soap is one of the simplest ways to loosen up a stubborn zipper. You can use either liquid hand soap or create soapy water with a bar of soap. The advantage of using soap is that it helps clean your zipper. However, it is important to note that coloured soap may leave an obvious residue on your zips. Bar soap, in particular, is a good lubricant because it contains fat.
If you are using soap, carefully apply a small amount directly to the zipper teeth, above and below the slider. Then, gently pull the slider up and down to free the zipper.
In addition to soap, other household items can be used as lubricants for zippers. These include olive oil, vegetable oil, and beeswax. However, it is important to note that these substances can stain fabric and may spoil over time, leading to an unpleasant smell.
While soap and other household items can be used as temporary solutions, dedicated zipper lubricants, such as Zip Tech, McLube SailKote, or GearAid's Zipper Lubricant Stick, may provide longer-lasting results and better protection for your zipper.
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Oils, including cooking oils
While using cooking oils as a lubricant can be a convenient solution, there are a few drawbacks to this method. Firstly, food oils can spoil over time, which can lead to an unpleasant smell. Secondly, oils can stain fabric, although this is a risk with most lubricants other than dedicated zipper lubricants. Therefore, it is recommended to clean the zipper with water and a clean toothbrush after applying oil to prevent potential staining.
Overall, while cooking oils may not be the ideal long-term solution for lubricating a plastic zipper due to the potential for spoilage and staining, they can be a useful temporary fix if other dedicated lubricants are not available.
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Beeswax
One example of a beeswax lubricant is SEASOFT's SeaBee™ Natural Beeswax Zipper Lube. It is an all-natural product that can be used to lubricate zippers on clothing, wetsuits, dive suits, gear bags, and more. Another similar product is the Seasoft SeaBee Natural Beeswax Zipper Lube, which is also available in a 2 oz size.
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Teflon bike lube
It is important to note that Teflon bike lubes are different from traditional wet lubes, which are made from natural oils and can attract dirt and grime. Dry lubes, on the other hand, are designed to repel water and prevent the buildup of dirt, making them ideal for use in wet or muddy conditions. They also tend to last longer between applications.
When choosing a bike lube, it is essential to consider the type of riding you do and the conditions you typically ride in. If you ride in dry, dusty conditions, a dry lube like Teflon may be the best option to keep your bike chain clean and well-lubricated. On the other hand, if you ride in wet or muddy conditions, a wet lube may be more suitable to repel water and prevent rust.
In addition to Teflon Dry Lube, Finish Line also offers a range of other bicycle lubricants and care products, including Ceramic Wet Lube, e-Bike Lube, and Speed Degreaser. Their products are designed to maximize efficiency, durability, and performance for all types of bicycles, including electronic assist bicycles. Finish Line also offers cleaning and maintenance kits to help keep your bike in top condition.
While Teflon bike lube may not be specifically designed for plastic zippers, it is possible that it could be used as a lubricant in a pinch. However, it is always best to use a dedicated zipper lubricant for plastic zippers, as these products are designed to work effectively without staining or damaging the fabric. Zipper Ease, for example, is a clear wax stick that can be rubbed along the zipper teeth to keep things moving smoothly. It is safe to use on both metal and plastic zippers and will not stain fabrics.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use a dedicated zipper lubricant such as Zipper Ease, which comes in a stick form and can be applied directly to the zipper teeth. You can also use silicone lubricant, beeswax, or Teflon Dry Lube by PB Blaster.
Zipper lubricant can be purchased online from retailers such as Amazon or Zipper Shipper, as well as in-store at outdoor and hardware stores.
Zipper lubricant is typically applied directly to the zipper teeth using a stick applicator. It is recommended to clean the zipper track with water and a toothbrush after lubricating to remove any excess product.
Yes, some household items can be used as a temporary solution, including soap, graphite from a pencil, or cooking oils such as olive oil or vegetable oil. However, these may stain or spoil over time, so dedicated zipper lubricants are recommended for long-term use.
